Tax deductions are a way to lower your taxable income, so you can decrease the amount of taxes that you owe the government. Thinking about the different IRS-approved deductions as you prepare your tax returns may lead you to wonder: Is auto insurance tax deductible? The answer? It depends on how you use the car and other factors.

Using a car for workBusinesses that own and are dependent on the use of company cars or a fleet of vehicles as part of its operations may deduct auto insurance as an expense of the business. According to the IRS, you can deduct the necessary cost of insurance as a business expense, if it is for your trade, business or profession.

If you are self-employed and use your car exclusively for your business, you may be able to deduct certain car expenses, including your insurance premium. You may also qualify for this deduction if you are an employee and your employer does not reimburse you for business-related car expenses (subject to certain limitations by the IRS).

When you use the car for both business and personal reasons, the IRS advises that you must calculate your expenses based on actual mileage and only the portion used for business reasons is tax deductible. You also can’t claim your commute to and from work, but there are deductions available for work-related driving duties like visiting clients or picking up work supplies.

Using your car only for personal reasons like running errands or going shopping, it is not a write-off on your tax returns. But if your car was stolen or totaled after an accident that wasn’t your fault and the damage exceeds the limits in your insurance policy, you may be able to claim the loss as a tax deduction.Limitations may apply based on the damage costs and your income.

Ask a professional for adviceIt’s a good idea to get in touch with a certified public accountant or tax professional to review the IRS guideline for business expenses and make sure that you are entitled to these and other tax deductions. It can also be a good time to review your auto insurance policy to be sure that you have the coverages that you need. Contact a local ERIE agent for more information about insurance coverage.

The mantra of “stop, drop, and roll” is a familiar drill and phrase we repeat as children, but we rarely talk about it or practice it in adulthood. And while children may learn about fire evacuation plans at school, grown-ups might not remember to actually put them into action. With an average of 358,500 house fires per year, fire safety is something everyone should think about—and often.

Home automation devices offer the technology to help safeguard your home against fires. Here’s what you can do to stay protected the “smart” way.

Invest in a Monitored Smoke AlarmMany home security systems offer monitoring services. This means the system is linked to a central monitoring station that receives an alert when a security alarm is triggered and can notify authorities on your behalf. This type of home security system is widely regarded as the safest and smartest choice, but it doesn’t have to stop at security.

Many of today’s home security systems allow you to purchase monitored smoke and fire alarms as well. If smoke is sensed an alert will trigger prompting the monitoring station to reach out to the fire department and let them know an alarm is going off in your home. These systems can be set up and managed by your internet service provider.

Utilize SirensThe telltale chirp of a smoke alarm is a sound everyone is familiar with, especially when the battery is getting low. It may be hard to imagine anyone sleeping through the sound, but why take that chance? Home security systems usually have a siren that sounds at 90 decibels or above, and by linking these sirens to your smoke alarms through home automation systems, you can double up on the alerts.

A good way to utilize these additional sirens is to place one in each bedroom. Even the heaviest sleeper will be jolted awake by the volume.

Let Smart Devices Minimize RiskCooking accidents are the leading cause of house fires across the country. While some of these infernos are no doubt the result of grease fires and other cooking mishaps, a concerning number of them are caused by people leaving the oven or other appliances on and forgetting to turn them off. There are a several smart ovens on the market that will regulate their temperature and turn off automatically after a few minutes of inactivity.

However, these smart ovens carry a high price tag. A more budget-friendly option is to invest in a smart outlet plug for your appliances and a motion sensor, and then use a system like If This, Then That (IFTTT) to set up a series of commands. For example, if no motion is detected in the room for a certain amount of time, it will turn off power to the appliance.

There are also smart sensors that can detect sudden, rapid changes in temperature that might indicate a fire. These sensors can be added in conjunction with the rest of these methods to automatically detect potential fires and cut off the appliance in question.

Upgrade Your Smoke DetectorEveryone is familiar with the circular-shaped traditional smoke detectors, but if you want an option with slightly more usability, consider a product like the Nest Protect. Smart detectors offer several advantages over traditional detectors. The first is that it won’t give off the annoying chirp when the battery gets low; instead, you’ll receive a notification on your phone letting you know it’s time to replace the battery.

Another advantage of these devices is that they can send you a push notification anytime the sensor detects smoke. The sensor itself will also go off, emitting a loud siren, but you can easily silence this from your phone in case the tea boiled over or you burnt some toast. These detectors also detect carbon monoxide in the air, another serious safety risk.

Make Your Batteries SmarterWhat’s better than a 9 Volt battery? A smart 9 Volt battery, naturally. Smart batteries are relatively new to the smart home scene, but they serve a simple yet ingenious purpose. Smart batteries replace the existing batteries in your smoke detectors and send a notification to your phone when the detector is triggered. These batteries also send notifications when they need to be replaced.

While smart batteries cost a bit more than normal batteries, they’re a cost-effective alternative if a smart smoke detector is outside your price range.

Practice Smart HabitsFire is a constant consideration for homeowners, especially during the colder months when fireplaces are opened up and put to use. In addition to the safety provided by smart home technology, there are a few basic things to keep in mind:

Keep spare firewood far from the fireplace. It’s easy to toss a few logs onto the hearth for easy access, but it’s better to place them well away from anything that might ignite them.

If you start cooking something that will take several hours, set a timer on your phone to check on it every half hour.

Finally, make sure your fire extinguishers are within easy reach and fully functional.

If you keep a close eye on things, you can nearly eliminate the risk of a fire in your home. Easy access to an extinguisher will let you put out small blazes (like those of an inexperienced cook on the stove), but make sure to get out of your house and call the fire department if you’re in danger.

Patrick Hearn is an Atlanta-based tech writer for XFINITY Home. You’ll find him working away in coffee shops or tucked in a corner reading and sipping the latest pour-over.

If you’re moving into a place of your own for the first time, the dos and don’ts of renting can sometimes feel overwhelming. What happens if your fridge breaks? Should you tackle that sink clog or leave it for the landlord? Is renting even the right choice for you? And what about renters insurance tips to make sure all your stuff is protected?

While you’ve probably always had someone in your life to remind you to clean out the lint trap in the dryer or to please not pour bacon grease down the kitchen sink, you’re on your own now. Yes, it might be nice if Mom and Dad could periodically stop over to check the smoke alarm batteries or tighten that doorknob, but it’s not always possible.

That’s where we can help. We’ve compiled our best advice for first-time renters. If you have additional questions, take a look at our renters page or contact your local ERIE Agent. Until then, here are some topics to get you started:

9 Reasons Why Renting is Awesome: Here’s the truth: It’s OK that you haven’t bought a house yet or may not ever. Renting can be awesome, especially when you’re just starting out. Need proof? Our blogger gives you her completely (un)scientific list.

How to Steer Clear of Apartment Rental Scams: With more people renting, rental scams continue to pop up. Knowing how rental scams work and how to avoid falling for them goes a long way when it comes to protecting yourself. Here’s how.

6 Ways to Master a Move: Sure, you know to lift with your legs. But what about whether your stuff is insured in that moving van you rented?

8 Maintenance Hacks Every Renter Should Know: While most rental agreements include a landlord who takes care of your major maintenance worries, there are a few things you can do to keep service calls to a minimum and protect your security deposit in the long run.

Who is Responsible for Repairs: Are there ever times when you would be responsible for making repairs to your apartment rather than your landlord? Double check this article in case you find yourself with a necessary repair.

Most importantly, we’re here for you as you take this big first step. Check out our renters page for more information or to request a quote, and always feel free to check-in with your ERIE agent.

Don’t forget to ask about a multi-policy discount, too. If you insure a vehicle and have a renters policy, you could qualify for a discount. See, this adulting thing isn’t going to be so bad after all.

You have your own space, but what about protecting all the stuff in your space? That’s where renters insurance comes in.Just like an auto policy protects your vehicle, renters insurance takes care of protecting your belongings. Even though your landlord has insurance on the building, it most likely doesn’t cover your personal belongings. That’s where we can help.

Renters insurance is really affordable and you may even qualify for a discount if you already have an auto policy with ERIE. We’ve pulled together some of our best renters info, starting with “What is Renters Insurance and Why do I Need It?” and the following blog stories:

9 Reasons it’s OK to Rent: Here’s the truth: It’s OK that you haven’t bought a house yet or may not ever. Renting can be awesome. Need proof? Our blogger gives you her list.

How to Steer Clear of Apartment Rental Scams: With more people renting, rental scams continue to pop up. Knowing how rental scams work and how to avoid falling for them goes a long way when it comes to protecting yourself. Here’s how.

6 Ways to Master a Move: Sure, you know to lift with your legs. But what about whether or not your stuff is insured in that moving van you rented?

8 Maintenance Hacks Every Renter Should Know: While most rental agreements include a landlord who takes care of your major maintenance worries, there are a few things you can do to keep service calls to a minimum and protect your security deposit in the long run.

Who is Responsible for Repairs: Are there ever times when you would be responsible for making repairs to your apartment rather than your landlord? Double check this article in case you find yourself with a necessary repair.

One of the biggest benefits of renting versus buying a place of your own is that you usually don’t have to worry about those pesky maintenance needs like mowing a lawn or replacing a water heater. And while most rental agreements include a landlord who takes care of your major maintenance worries, there are a few things you can do to keep service calls to a minimum and protect your security deposit in the long run.

Avoid a Deep Freeze
If you have a manual freezer, defrost it at least once a year or if there is more than 1/4 inch of ice built up. When defrosting, remember to warm it up rather than chip away. Empty the contents, place towels underneath, and either let the ice melt at room temperature or–if you’re pressed for time–by using a blow dryer. When the ice is melted, wipe it clean, bring your freezer back to the appropriate temperature and restock.

Rout Grout Problems
Gaps and chips in your shower grout are worth calling your landlord about, because they could lead to significant water damage (AKA a big headache for your landlord and you). Luckily, a good scrub as part of your regular cleaning routine can ensure you do your part to ward off nasty mold and mildew and help ensure there are no cracks that could lead to problems in walls and floors.

Pro Tip: Baking soda, vinegar and a little warm water can work wonders with grout stains. If the stains still won’t come up, break out the big gun: hydrogen peroxide.

Dodge a Dust Up
If your heating and air conditioning units are easily accessible, vacuum the vents before using them for the first time each year or ask your landlord to do it. Regular vent cleaning and filter changes ensure proper air flow. Also check that furniture and curtains don’t cover vents. Besides potential maintenance issues, it could become a fire hazard.

Keep Clogs at Bay
We probably all know not to pour oil and grease down the sink but avoiding other solids like coffee grounds will also keep your pipes flowing. If you have a sink with a garbage disposal, avoid dumping chemicals in the drain to clean it. In the bathroom (gross out alert), remove hair from drains right away rather than washing them down.

Pro Tip: Once again, baking soda and vinegar are your friends. After removing the drain cover, pour in some baking soda followed by an equal measure of vinegar. Allow it to fizz for a few minutes, then run water. Not only will you relive your favorite sixth-grade science experiment, you’ll get that slow-moving drain flowing once more.

Detect and Deter Smoke
Use Daylight Savings Time to remind yourself to do more than reset your clocks. Replace the batteries in your smoke alarm too.

Yep, Nailed It
One common barrier to getting your entire security deposit back is leaving nail holes sprinkled across the landscape of your walls. If you’re planning on moving out soon, take the time to patch small nail holes.

Pro Tip: Bigger holes will require a patch kit of some kind but believe it or not, crayons are a great way to patch small nail holes. Use enough pressure when you’re coloring over the hole so that the wax fills in the hole. Warm the crayon if needed to soften the wax.

Look for Lightbulb Moments
As you walk from your car to your building, keep an eye out for burned out bulbs. Ask your landlord to replace any that are missing from your building, porch or garage. Not only do well-lit areas keep you from tripping on that last step, they can help deter crime.

Insure Your Peace of Mind
Starting around $10 a month, renters insurance–a must for any savvy renter–will not only cover your belongings since your landlord’s policy usually doesn’t, it will also cover things like temporary living expenses and personal liability.Pro Tip: Purchasing a renter’s and an auto policy together can qualify you for a multipolicy discount. In some cases, the discount actually pays for the renter’s policy. Find an ERIE agent to help you get covered. Because individual policies will vary, always check with your local Erie Insurance agent to confirm discounts, rates and rules.

This weekend, Daylight Saving Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday. Although we’re losing an hour (and an hour of sleep), we have the promise of Spring ahead. Just think warmer weather and longer periods of daylight. Here are five fun facts about Daylight Saving Time:

Daylight Saving Time began in Canada in 1908, however, the first countries to use Daylight Saving Time were Germany and Austria in 1916. The United States began participating in Daylight Saving Time in 1918.

Daylight Saving Time is not observed in Hawaii and most of Arizona. U.S. territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands and American Samoa also don’t observe Daylight Saving Time.

Daylight Saving Time begins and ends at 2 a.m. rather than midnight because there is a higher chance that most people are sleeping.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is in charge of time in the U.S., including time zones and daylight saving time.

Barbeque, golf and candy industries cash in. When Daylight Saving Time was extended from six to seven months in 1986, the golf and barbeque industry brought in an extra $200 million and $100 million respectively for the extra month of daylight. The candy industry cashed in, too, figuring an extra hour of daylight would mean more trick-or-treaters on Halloween.

This year, Daylight Saving Time will end on November 4, when you’ll get your hour of sleep back. Until then, enjoy the extra hour of daylight and remember to have an extra cup of coffee ready Sunday morning.

No matter the time of year or hour of the day, ERIE will be there for you. Check out the ERIE Difference.

Winter storms have been wreaking havoc across ERIE’s footprint this year. It’s important to know what to do before, during and after a winter storm hits, and to know you’re covered if your vehicle or home experiences damage. Check out this list from the Insurance Information Institute about what could be covered by your insurance after a winter storm. Your ERIE Agent can walk you through the specific coverages available with an ERIE policy.

With headquarters located in Erie, Pennsylvania – winner of snowiest city in America – Erie Insurance families are experts at navigating the winter season.

At ERIE, we believe nothing warms a harsh winter like the simple act of kindness for those who find mastering the warm and cozies a little more challenging. Consider helping your elderly neighbors during the winter months.

Here are four simple ideas that show a little kindness can go a long way.

Keep their pathways snow- and ice-free. Consider shoveling their driveway and sidewalks for them before applying a de-icing agent, as well as porch steps and railings.

Touch base before and after winter storms. If a winter storm is brewing, ask if they have a battery-powered radio, first aid kit, warm blankets and prescription medications.

Check up on them periodically, anyway. You can ask if they’re feeling well or not, and if they have operational heat, water, and working detectors.

Share a hot meal. There’s nothing like visiting with a neighbor over a steaming bowl of soup or chili. Those foods can also warm up the body and deter hypothermia in the colder months.

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No one likes to think about what will happen when they are no longer around or able to make important decisions, but if you are a small business owner, then nothing could be more important for the future of your company. Succession planning is the practice of drawing up a plan for what will happen to your business if you pass away, retire, or become incapacitated. You could leave your business interests to a family member or trusted employee.

Without a clear succession plan, the fate of your company could be left up to the legal system, with ownership contested in a contentious legal battle, and everything you’ve worked to build could be lost. The time to start planning is now: when you can consider your options and make a well-informed decision for the benefit of your business.

Know Your Options

As the owner of your business, you are what is termed a “key person” within the business – someone whose sudden absence could be catastrophic or fatal to the company. Particularly in a small business, one or two people may be responsible for the majority of the operations, with no one else as knowledgeable or qualified to perform the same actions. For this reason, many small businesses are unable to survive the death of their founder(s) or owner(s), and collapse within one generation. If your hope is to create an enterprise that will outlive you, it is time to make succession planning a priority.
One way that more and more businesses are starting to plan ahead is by investing in key person insurance, a type of life insurance where the business itself is the beneficiary in the event of the key person’s death or incapacitation. In the wake of a tragedy, such employee insurance can mean the difference between bankruptcy and the continued survival of the company, by providing the finances to tide the business over during the period of transition. Even if the company is unable to survive in the long run, key person insurance can provide the wherewithal to pay off debts and set the business’s affairs in order before closing down.

Key Person Insurance: Is It Right for Your Business?

If you are unsure whether key person insurance should play a role in your succession planning, ask yourself this question: Who in my business is irreplaceable? If there is any individual without whom you can’t imagine the business surviving, then it may be a good idea to consider purchasing key person insurance for that person.

Only you know what is in the best interest of your company, and only a qualified insurance agent can help you choose the route that best protects those interests. At Hendren Insurance Agency, we are dedicated to looking to the future to protect what you’ve built. As a key player in your business, you take responsibility for its day-to-day operations. Take this step to take responsibility for its future. With agents all over the Taylorsville, North Carolina area, we are ready to sit down with you and explore your options, so call us and speak to one of our agents about scheduling a consultation today.

After combing through some of the best business titles published more recently, Adam Groves, librarian and information resources analyst at Erie Insurance, narrowed the list to these gems. His list of book recommendations for business owners has it all with themes that include teamwork, impact, leadership and more.

Here are five books to keep your business thriving this year:

1. Your ability to connect with others in a meaningful way can make the difference in any business interaction. In “Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People,”Vanessa Van Edwards offers recommendations for engaging with and appealing to customers and coworkers.

2. Picking a toothpick off the floor at your home may be a no-brainer, but if you saw one at work would you ever stop to clean it up? In “The Difference: When Good Enough Isn’t,” Subir Chowdhury explains that how you answer that question—the effort and dedication you bring to your work—can represent the difference between a good worker and a great one.

3. “The Power of Moments: Why Certain Experiences Have Extraordinary Impact”by Chip Heath and Dan Heath is a New York Times bestseller that analyzes memorable interactions and shares tips for creating similarly rich and unforgettable experiences for customers and colleagues.

4. Both the nature of work and the workforce itself are evolving at a rapid pace, and in “Reimagining Work: Strategies to Disrupt Talent, Lead Change, and Win with a Flexible Workforce,” Rob Biederman, Pat Petitti and Peter Maglathlin share strategies for modernizing your business to attract top talent.

With these books, you’ll not only be ahead of the curve, but you’ll also be positioning your business for success now and into the future.

Whatever your business and financial priorities are as a business owner, Erie Insurance has resources and experience to help you address them. Get in touch with an Erie Insurance agentto learn more about business insurance, which can help protect you and your venture. ERIE agents are licensed professionals who will help you select the best coverage for your business needs.